Geology of the Klein Karoo

The Klein Karoo of South Africa is a domain with a dramatic geological history, preserved as mountain ranges, deeply incised valleys,ancient land surfaces, and caves. The area has long been used by humankind. A large part of the area is incorporated into the UNESCO-designated Gourtiz Cluster Biosphere Reserve. There are many aspects of the geology and geomorphology of the Klein Karoo and the Reserve deserving of Geoheritage and Geoconservation statusThe Klein Karoo has a spectacular landscape fashioned hundreds of millions ago of years ago by water and geological upheaval. Its flora ranges from lush greenery in the river valleys to ground-hugging, hardy Karoo plants in the open veldt, including the largest number of succulents on earth.

The region’s astonishing geological shapes and formations are home to the famed Cango Caves, a series of spectacular caverns fashioned over millennia by the seepage of water through porous limestone rock. At night, the Klein Karoo skies provide a stunning display of light virtually unknown to dwellers in the Big Smoke, including the Southern Cross, Orion and the awesome Milky Way in its infinite magnificence. Some say the Klein Karoo credibly challenges Montana as ‘big sky’ country.